Last reviewed: 2026-04-18 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, NRA-certified firearms instructor.
Liberty Ammunition’s Civil Defense 45 Colt (Long Colt) ammo loads a 78-grain fragmenting hollow point to 1800 feet per second — nearly twice the velocity of traditional 250-grain lead rounds in this caliber. The monolithic copper projectile features a deep cavity that fragments on impact, creating multiple wound channels while the central core penetrates 12–14 inches in ballistic gelatin. This is 45 Colt Civil Defense ammo purpose-built for defensive use in revolvers and lever-action carbines where over-penetration is a liability.
Load Profile
The 78-grain copper hollow point exits the muzzle at 1800 fps and carries 560 foot-pounds of energy — velocity that reduces felt recoil compared to heavy lead loads while maintaining terminal performance. The nickel-plated brass case feeds reliably and resists corrosion; the Boxer primer seats consistently for ignition. Lead-free construction meets range restrictions and eliminates airborne lead exposure during indoor practice. Liberty Ammunition machines each projectile from solid copper, eliminating the lead core found in conventional jacketed hollow points.
The Numbers
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 45 Colt (Long Colt) |
| Bullet weight | 78 grains |
| Bullet type | Fragmenting hollow point (lead-free copper) |
| Muzzle velocity | 1800 fps |
| Muzzle energy | 560 ft-lbs |
| Rounds per box | 20 |
| Case | Nickel-plated brass |
| Primer | Boxer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| Intended use | Self-defense |
| Manufacturer | Liberty Ammunition |
The fragmenting design transfers kinetic energy rapidly, reducing the risk of over-penetration through interior walls or bystanders. Liberty rates penetration at 12–14 inches in calibrated gelatin — meeting FBI protocol minimums while staying below the depth where exit wounds become likely in most adult torsos. Browse our full inventory of 45 Long Colt ammo for training and field loads.
Safe Handling & Compliance
Federal law requires purchasers to be at least 21 years old for handgun ammunition. Ammunition cannot be shipped to certain states, counties, and cities — review our ammunition shipping restrictions before ordering. Store ammunition in a cool, dry location away from heat sources and out of reach of unauthorized users.
- Observe the four rules of firearm safety at all times — treat every firearm as loaded, keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire, never point at anything you are not willing to destroy, and be certain of your target and what lies beyond it.
- Verify that your firearm is rated for +P or high-velocity loads if you intend to fire this ammunition — consult your owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer.
- California Proposition 65: This product can expose you to lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
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